Gold Discovery Park Association

Over the years, the stamp mill at Coloma has run off and on. The mill sits out in the open, at the mercy of the elements. Recently, Ed and Norm Allen (full-time docents) decided to undertake the project of getting the mill running again. First they needed to find out why the mill had stopped running and after some research and troubleshooting, it was discovered that the motor was completely burned up. (There were a few other surprises in the motor...one dead mouse and an enormous mud dauber nest!)

After numerous inquiries, Ed and Norm discovered there was no exact replacement motor available so here's where the brothers had to get creative! Instead of the original 11/2 horsepower motor, they bought a new 2 horsepower motor and went to work on some necessary modifications. Ed designed and crafted a new motor mount then turned the project over to Norm, who did the proper wiring and installation needed. After a little over a month....the STAMP MILL RUNS AGAIN!

Ed has been showing it off to park visitors so if you are interested in seeing a stamp mill run - or are a docent who would like to learn how to operate the stamp mill for visitors to our park, contact Ed Allen at the museum on Tuesdays  and Thursdays. (530) 622-3470

Join the talented docents at Marshall Gold Discovery Park for Hands on History the second Saturday of every month. You will get a glimpse into what life was like in Coloma during the Gold Rush. The town comes alive with Blacksmiths demonstrations, gold panning lessons, guided tours of historical homes, and much more. You will see pioneer women cooking with dutch ovens over an open fire, rope making, music and singing, children's games, talks about mining techniques and how the sawmill operated. 

Please make your way to the museum where you will see many artifacts from the Gold Rush and demonstrations on early basket weaving techniques. Watch a DVD in our theatre and learn more about different aspects of Coloma and the 49ers. Be sure to stop in at our Mercantile store where you'll find a huge variety of hand-crafted gold jewelry, clothing, hats, items carefully made in our Blacksmith Shop and so much more. Oh, and check out our extensive selection of books while you're there!

Come out and join us at the Park for a fun and fascinating look back at Coloma. No trip will be complete until you've tried your hand at gold panning.....but watch out - you might catch Gold Fever!

The "Ladies of the Porch" program has started up again! Pioneer ladies meet on the front porch of the Weller House on the first Saturday of every month. When you visit, you'll see them dressed in historic attire gathering to work on quilting projects, embroidery, crocheting and other historic arts and crafts practiced by women during the mid -1800's.

An open invitation has been extended to all docents and volunteers to join the fun on the porch. It's a wonderful way to keep in touch, practice your handiwork, and to create and renew friendships.

Visitors to the Park are fascinated and delighted with the Ladies and their projects.

"As I Walked Down the Streets of Coloma..."

As you walk down the streets of Old Coloma you might chance to see a vibrant and bustling town with volunteers and docents dressed in 1800's period clothing. Be sure to visit some of the historic houses and take a look at our schoolhouse. Stop and talk with one of our docents - they love sharing California’s Gold Rush history with visitors. (Pictured below are the Monroe House and Reverend Cool)